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Obasanjo Says Continuity Vital For Effective Reforms In Civil Service

Published

8 months ago

July 30, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that there must be continuity for any reforms to be effective in Nigeria.

The former President stated this at the Aig Imoukhuede Foundation Annual Workshop with the theme “Rethinking Reforms, focusing on Why Many Reforms Fail In Nigeria and What We Can Do About Us”, on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Obasanjo the greatest pain of reform is discontinuity and that the best thing for any reform would be for the initiator, the owner, the executor, the driver and the sustainer to be continual.

“Any break in continuity means virtually the end of reform. And then one thing we must understand is reform is a lifelong thing. The process of reform, even in your daily life, in your own life, you are reforming.

“You are making adjustment. So why should it be difficult? I don’t believe that it should be difficult. When I was looking for debt relief, one of the things that they told me as I went around the world is reform.

“Now, the point I am making is that reform is continual. It is not a destination. It is a journey”, he stated.

Former President Obasanjo also said there is the need for recognition of technocrats in the civil service, stateinh that they play a crucial role in driving reforms and effective governance.

He explained “Technocrats have power, and we must recognise that”, even as he’d referred to the Permanent Secretaries and other civil servants as the tetechnocrats.

Her added: “And that journey must continue. Now, I have met and I have had to deal with some of the best in the public service of this country. And we have, and from the point you have made, it will appear that those that I have met and dealt with, you still have people like that in the service today.

“The point is that we need as good men and women in the public service as we need in the private sector. And the public service, if you look very hard, as I had looked when I had the opportunity, the public service contains some of the best men and women in every sense of the word that you can find in this country. The question is that some of them are frustrated.

“Some of them are inadequately rewarded. And this we have to take note of and correct where we need to correct. The second point, or the third point I want to make, for the public service, and it is the entire public service, which means the executive, the legislative, the judiciary, and the technocrats.

“Normally, we tend to leave the technocrat. And that’s a mistake. They have power”.

According to him, for any reform to succeed there must be collaboration between political heads and technocrats.

“Reform requires political heads and technocrats working together, respecting and understanding each other. That’s when you can have real reform.

“Why many reforms in Nigeria, why many reform fails in Nigeria, and what we can do about it. Outgoing Head of Service, I want to thank you for all that you are doing and all that you have done and all that remains to be done”, he asserted.

In her address, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Esan, acknowledged that there are challenges and impediments in the implementation of successful reform programmes in Nigeria.

She noted that there is need for the reform action to deal with those challenges and listed them.

“The first is a lack of inclusive implementation strategy framework. Poor funding and inadequate budgetary provisions in the MTAs to fund the implementation of reforms.

“Lack of skilled manpower. Poor communication at planning and implementation stages. Poor or total lack of ownership of reforms by sub-nationals.

“Poor involvement of citizens. Lack of synergy between the public and private sector organizations. Lack of synergy amongst implementing MTAs.

“Policy somersaults and rivalry and conflict of interest even among government institutions. Some others include lack of political will and ownership to support reform implementation. Resistance to change.

“Poor ICT infrastructure. Political interferences in bureaucratic processes. Dwindling support by partners.

“Lack of legislation to legalize and institutionalize reforms. Lack of institutional capacity. Weak governance structures around the reform processes.

“Inadequate follow-through mechanisms for implementation of reforms. And lastly, a lack of shared wisdom, vision on national development among others. And so with all these impediments, barriers to reforms, in 2020, the Office of the Head of Service had an opportunity to review the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan”, Esan stated.

She revealed that efforts made to address these challenges, includes wide stakeholder consultation, governance structure for reform initiatives, and capacity building.

The HoS noted the key elements for successful reform pprogrammes which she identifies as “Systems and support structures, partnerships, high-level monitoring, capacity building, compensation systems, and change management strategy are crucial for success”.

She also acknowledged the progress made in re-engineering the civil service, saying, “It is essential to recognize and celebrate the good work of our officers and partners while sanctioning indiscipline and poor performance.”

In his welcome address, the chairman Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede highlighted the importance of efficient and motivated public service in achieving good governance, production and distribution of public goods, formulation and implementation of economic policy, and management of public expenditure.

He noted that Nigeria’s current Human Development Index ranking of 161 out of 189 countries is a reflection of the performance of government over several decades.

He emphasised the need for a strong public service, saying, “This is what is holding us back. And you would agree that there’s a correlation between the strength of a country’s public sector and its strength as a nation.”

Aig-Imoukhuede also highlighted the foundation’s efforts to transform public service delivery, including building a critical mass of public sector leaders, providing technical support and funding for digitization efforts, and upskilling thousands of workers in the civil service.

“It’s simple. There’s nothing you can do about it. This is why all nations in the world have a continuing focus on ensuring that their government works.

“This is the aim of government reform, to create a government workforce of the size and with the skills, and it doesn’t end there, with the incentives, ethos, and accountability needed to provide quality public services and carry out the functions stated in Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution. This is what is holding us back. And you would agree that there’s a correlation between the strength of a country’s public sector and its strength as a nation.

“As a result, the most important objective of any nation in the 21st century is to have an effective and efficient public service. It is with this belief in mind that my wife Ofoe and I founded the Aike Wakode Foundation. We are convinced that improved public services lead to better outcomes for our people, communities, and economies.

“Through our support, the service has successfully digitized thousands of files, automated 300 processes, acquired hundreds of new digital devices. In addition, our collaboration with Microsoft, we are upskilling thousands of workers in the civil service. A key area of our support to the civil service is the culture change program.

“To change the mindset of this key constituency, we provide communication training, culture change campaign videos, and ongoing assistance for the publication of official newsletters. We’ve helped to develop the civil service culture handbook, better than actually many of the culture handbooks I’ve seen in the private sector, but we must make it work, that applies the values, behaviors, and practices that are essential for delivering the state’s chapter 200. A key element of our foundation’s theory of change is to ensure that every Nigerian citizen takes ownership of the critical need to reform the public service.

“It is not their public service, it is your public service, it is our public service, and understand that as it strengthens, you strengthen as well. So we must join hands, come together, and make it work. This commitment brings us to the purpose of this gathering today, to discuss the topic, rethinking reforms, why many reforms fail in Nigeria, and what we can do about it”, he stated.

The Chairman therefore called on stakeholders to come together and commit to reform the public service, even as he said, this conversation does not end here. And indeed, the Nigerian Public Sector Reform Project reboots here.

News

INEC ought to have archived recall petition long ago-Senator Natasha

Published

2 hours ago

April 3, 2025

ADMIN

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting a petition to recall her as the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The lawmaker, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said the electoral umpire should have thrown out the petition long before it did on April 3, 2025.

“I’m a lawyer. I’m a senator and I understand how Nigeria works. For me, the most important thing is this recall process has been stalled.

“I give kudos and credit to INEC even though I believe they should have thrown it away from the get-go.

“I think it was void ab initio because there is no law in the Electoral Act that says a petition should be discarded just because there is no address but again, what if the address is false?”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain argued that most of the addresses provided in the petition for her recall were false because most houses in her district weren’t labelled.

Even though INEC did count 208,000 signatures, I bet you if they had gone into the verification stage, they would have struggled to even have 500 people come out to attest to signing that,” she added.

News

We’re putting together new 2025 Budget for Rivers-Ibas

Published

3 hours ago

April 3, 2025

ADMIN

…hosts Delegation Of Rivers NASS Caucus

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has said that an appropriation bill for 2025 is being articulated to provide for critical development concerns in healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and infrastructure.

Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas also said that the anticipated budget will cater to creating more employment opportunities for Rivers people and advance delivery of technology in critical facets of public life.

The administrator gave the hint when he hosted the delegation of Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Those on the delegation included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Hon Dumnamene Dekor, Hon Solomon Bob, Hon Cyril Godwin Hart,
Hon Blessing Amadi, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon Kelechi Nwogu, and Hon Victor Obuzor

Ibas said he has been resolute, since assumption of office, to restore law and order, and with support from the security agencies, an environment has been created where Rivers residents feel valued and safer.

The Administrator stated that the commitment is to make Rivers a model of peace in the comity of States, with a stable economy and citizens courageous to pursue their livelihood without fear or molestation.

“In addition to our peace building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State.

“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.

“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.”

Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas stated: “The budget which is been finalized focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.

“We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay.”

The Administrator noted that to get the task done, the support of the legislators will be required as key representatives of Rivers State in the National Assembly.

He sued for their assistance in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing that would bring the initiative of his administration to fruition.

“Your partnership is critical to success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations.”

He explained that in the face of the challenges that beset Rivers, which led to the State of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, dialogue, community engagement and reconciliation were deplored to build trust among the citizenry.

He noted that the people of Rivers State have shown incredible resilience and patience in the efforts taken so far to restore the State back to the path of peace and respect for the law.

Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas assured that his administration remains committed to achieving enduring peace for the state.

He said: “Beyond security, we have prioritised community engagements as a central part of our strategy. Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity have been key to building trust among our people.

“We are determined to strengthen the bond of unity in Rivers State and to foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected. Together, we are making strides in ensuring that peace becomes a permanent feature of our state.”

Responding, Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East District, said they are dedicated representatives of Rivers people at the National Assembly and resolved to support all efforts that will bring development to the State.

While commending the administrator for the modest successes he had achieved so far, Senator Mpigi pledged the support and cooperation of the legislators to ensure the return of the state on the path of law and order.

News

Just in: Shettima jets out to attend Senegal’s independence

Published

6 hours ago

April 3, 2025

Austin Ojomah

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal for official assignment.

The VP is expected to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the West African nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Senegal marks its Independence Day on April 4 each year, commemorating its liberation from French colonial rule in 1960.

The annual celebration is a significant event featuring national parades, cultural displays, and ceremonies highlighting the country’s achievements and unity.

A statement issued on Thursday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima’s participation followed an official invitation from Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

This underscored the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Senegal.

The two nations share longstanding relations, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), fostering cooperation on regional security, trade, and development initiatives.

The event is expected to reaffirm Senegal’s commitment to democratic governance and regional cooperation.

Vice President Shettima is scheduled to return to Nigeria immediately after the one-day celebrations, continuing his engagements in national development and diplomatic outreach.